Engaging the opposite – a book review

A hallmark of our time is that people of different opinions tend to talk at and about each other, generally in an unflattering way. Typically they do not with each other. Strikingly, we find this practice common among Christians who profess a love of Jesus Christ, often justified in His name. Scripture reveals that Jesus talked with everyone.

Now, imagine a Catholic moral theologian and bioethicist focusing on life issues. Go a step further and imagine such a person talking with, and actively engaging a utilitarian philosopher and ethicist, whose ideas appear to be opposite. It all sounds like an unlikely premise, doesn’t it?

Yet this is exactly what Charles C. Camosy has done in his book, Peter Singer and Christian Ethics: Beyond Polarization, (Cambridge University Press, 2011, 278.pp). While some Catholics are waging battles against perceived ideological enemies, Camosy takes a different approach. In doing so, he advances a provocative premise with great potential. If all we do is constantly argue about differences, entrenching ourselves, very little occurs to advance human dignity and justice. Camosy seeks to change this by creating conversation where there was none before.

If you don’t know who Peter Singer is, you do know about his influence. He is a utilitarian philosopher, and ethicist, whose seminal work was the 1975 book, Animal Liberation. This book became the cornerstone of the animal rights movement. Singer went on to author many other works, earning him the praise of many, and the scorn of others. He is regularly challenged – and rejected – by many, based on his viewpoints on everything from abortion to euthanasia, and everything in between.

Rejecting the low road of disdain, Camosy calls for, finding points of engagement with Singer and others. Operating from the perspective that we might all have more in common than imagined, his objective is fostering conversation around these issues.

The book gives us chapters exploring abortion, euthanasia, non-human animals, duty to the poor, as well as other ethical matters. Going point by point, Camosy examines and illustrates areas that are vast chasms of disagreement, yet he also finds places in which Singer’s thoughts align with the Catholic position. This is not full agreement, but points in which common ground exists. These intersections create opportunities for engagement. For the author, this is how change and transformation begin to happen.

With issues in the public sphere threatening to divide society more than ever, methods are needed for addressing ethical concerns that impact everyone. The mention of abortion sends many into rage at both ends of the spectrum, shutting down all conversation. Important public debate about end-of-life issues, care for the poor and disabled, and other matters of dignity and justice is stalled or reversed. Underscoring a consistent ethic of life can’t happen when we vilify those who see otherwise and walk away.

Engagement to further justice and human dignity is what Camosy seeks with Singer, who stands out as an oppositional thinker. Acknowledging that we must live with the conviction of our faith, this book shows us ways to move the conversation forward. Camosy offers us his own clear positions, along with methodologies to find shared spaces and potential change.

Speaking as someone who has struggled with some of these issues, I have a special appreciation for a book that calls for engagement, rather than retreat. This is not a mass-market paperback; it is an academic publication. I am not an ethicist or academic, but I found the book highly accessible. That is why I believe this is an important volume, and worth reading. Camosy’s writing style is clear and direct, easy to read and follow. It may not be for book for the masses, but I recommend it to anyone interested in ethics and life issues, especially if they are serious about creating change. This book offers no facile solutions, but it does aim to advance public discourse on challenging topics; and in that it succeeds.

(Coming up later in the week, an interview with author, Charlie Camosy. Stay tuned!)

Fran Rossi Szpylczyn

4 Responses

Fran, what a great review. I love your ability to express the authors intent in a concise, clear way. I want to read Camosy after reading your review. Thanks once again for your writing. eileen davenport

Eileen – thank you for coming by and commenting. I do recommend the book highly. I think that there are many of our STSTM students that would like it too. Maybe we can run a condensed review in the next newsletter?

Claire – it is all about having active engagement with the other, which is very hard!